Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors into fudgy thumbprint cookies. Perfect for any occasion, including Valentine’s Day or holiday gatherings, these cookies feature a luscious chocolate cherry ganache that adds an elegant touch. Their unique blend of textures and tastes makes them an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherry creates a rich, indulgent taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without stress.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to sophisticated parties.
• Impressive Presentation: The thumbprint style filled with ganache makes these cookies look stunning on any dessert table.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a beautiful box to share as a thoughtful gift or special treat for loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help make the baking process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing together.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly and ensuring they hold their shape.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! They’re fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with chocolate cherry ganache.

For the Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache Filling

• 5 oz chocolate, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the egg yolks one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 5: Make the Ganache Filling

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped chocolate and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
2. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before filling each thumbprint cookie with it.

Step 6: Add Cherry Preserves

Once cooled slightly, top each filled cookie with a dollop of cherry preserves for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies will impress everyone.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate cherry flavors.
• Cherry Sorbet – For a refreshing twist, serve these cookies with cherry sorbet to enhance the fruitiness.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Cookie Sandwiches – Spread some cherry preserves between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich experience.
• Ganache Topped – Drizzle extra chocolate ganache over the top of each cookie before serving for an indulgent touch.

Gift Packaging

• Dessert Boxes – Pack a dozen cookies in a decorative box to gift to friends or family for special occasions.
• Party Favors – Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for unique party favors.

With Beverages

• Coffee Pairing – Enjoy your cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Red Wine – A glass of red wine complements the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

To ensure your chocolate cherry cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and fudgy.
• Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as this affects cookie texture significantly.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies near the end of baking; they should look slightly underbaked for that soft center.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

While chocolate cherry cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Mousse – A light and airy mousse complements the dense texture of the cookies nicely.
2. Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the chocolate.
4. Nutty Granola Parfait – Layer granola with yogurt and fruits for a crunchy complement.
5. Pistachio Ice Cream – The nutty flavors enhance both chocolate and cherry notes in the cookies.
6. Coconut Whipped Cream – This light topping brings extra creaminess without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate cherry cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and egg yolks. This helps the ingredients blend better, leading to a smoother dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and fudgy. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Not measuring flour properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can dry out the cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping the cookies thick and chewy.
• Ignoring bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Take them out when they’re set but still soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chocolate cherry cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their fudgy texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on high for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overdo it, or they can become too soft.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. This will warm them gently without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chocolate cherry cookies that might help you perfect your baking experience.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves in chocolate cherry cookies?

You can use fresh cherries, but you may need to adjust the sugar content due to their tartness. Cherries also release moisture, which could affect the cookie’s texture.

What is the best type of chocolate for chocolate cherry cookies?

Using high-quality dark chocolate enhances flavor significantly. Look for chocolates with at least 60% cocoa content for richer taste in your ganache.

How do I make these chocolate cherry cookies gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend should work fine; however, check if it contains xanthan gum or add some if necessary for better texture.

Can I customize my chocolate cherry cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap out cherry preserves for raspberry or strawberry preserves for a different flavor twist.

How should I store leftover chocolate cherry cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them as described above for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate cherry cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt according to your preferences. Whether you want a nutty addition or change the fruit flavor, these fudgy delights will satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich combination of chocolate and cherries!